As part of the process of the preparation of the Education (Welfare) Bill and its enactment, I received a number of representations from parents who wish to educate their children at home and officials of my Department met with a number of groups representing such parents and discussed their concerns.
An appropriate education in childhood has never been more central to and necessary for the development and future personal fulfilment of a person. The preference of the vast majority of parents is to send their children to a recognised school for their education. These schools are regulated by the Education Act, 1998, staffed by professional teachers and provide a high quality education to their students. Notwithstanding the availability of such schools, some parents exercise their right as parents and under the Constitution to educate their children at home or in schools other than recognised schools. In this situation it must be borne in mind that the children concerned also have a constitutional right the right to be educated. Finally I, as Minister for Education and Science, have a constitutional obligation to ensure that the children concerned receive at least a minimum education.